Faith in Freedom: Libertarian Principles and Psychiatric Practices
- ISBN-10
- 1351520741
- ISBN-13
- 9781351520744
- Category
- Medical
- Pages
- 275
- Language
- English
- Published
- 2017-07-12
- Publisher
- Routledge
- Author
- Thomas Szasz
Description
The libertarian philosophy of freedom is characterized by two fundamental beliefs: the right to be left alone and the duty to leave others alone. Psychiatric practice routinely violates both of these beliefs. It is based on the notion that self-ownership—exemplified by suicide—is a not an inherent right, but a privilege subject to the review of psychiatrists as representatives of society. In Faith in Freedom, Thomas Szasz raises fundamental questions about psychiatric practices that inhibit an individual's right to freedom. His questions are fundamental. Is suicide an exercise of rightful self-ownership or a manifestation of mental disorder? Does involuntary confinement under psychiatric auspices constitute unjust imprisonment, or is it therapeutically justified hospitalization? Should forced psychiatric drugging be interpreted as assault and battery on the person or is it medical treatment? The ethical standards of psychiatric practice mandate that psychiatrists employ coercion. Forgoing such "intervention" is considered a dereliction of the psychiatrists' "duty to protect." How should friends of freedom—especially libertarians—deal with the conflict between elementary libertarian principles and prevailing psychiatric practices? In Faith in Freedom, Thomas Szasz addresses this question more directly and more profoundly than in any of his previous works.
Get the book
Other editions
-
- 2021-12-15
- 270 pages
- Paperback
- Cornell University Press
-
- 2021-12-15
- 270 pages
- Ebook
- Cornell University Press
Similar books
-
Faith and Freedom: An Invitation to the Writings of Martin Luther
By Martin LutherSelected from more than fifty volumes of Martin Luther's work, this anthology of writings by the Reformation leader includes his sermons, letters, Old and New Testament Bible commentaries, treatises, polemics, and his hymns.
-
For Faith and Freedom: A Short History of Unitarianism in Europe
By Charles A. HoweCharles Howe's lucid account reclaims for modern readers the heroic martyrdom of Michael Servetus, the humane leadership of Faustus Socinus, the eloquent conviction of Francis David and the literary genius of Harriet Martineau.
-
Faith, Freedom, and Rationality: Philosophy of Religion Today
By Daniel Howard-Snyder, Jeff JordanThis collection of new essays by twelve distinguished philosophers of religion explores three broad themes: religious attitudes of belief, acceptance, and love; human and divine freedom; and the rationality of religious belief.
-
Freedom Faith: The Womanist Vision of Prathia Hall
By Courtney PaceOtis Moss to Maxine Clark Beach, April 23, 1997, PHP4:121; Gale Poindexterto Maxine Beach, April 23, 1997, PHP4:106; Susan Newman to Michael Nickerson, April 21, 1997, PHP4:107–8; Robert Jones to Maxine Beach, April 23, 1997, PHP 4:109; ...
-
For Faith and Freedom
By Walter BesantReproduction of the original: For Faith and Freedom by Walter Besant
-
Faith and Freedom: An Interfaith Perspective
By David B. BurrellThomas Gornall, S.J. emphasizes the visual metaphor: “because he eternally surveys all things as they are in their presence to him,” Summa Theologiae, vol. 4: Knowledge in God (New York: McGraw—Hill, 1964), p. 49. 63 Geach (note 5), p.
-
Faith & Freedom: The Christian Roots of American Liberty
By Benjamin HartFaith & Freedom: The Christian Roots of American Liberty
-
Faith and Freedom: Women’s Human Rights in the Muslim World
By Mahnaz AfkhamiThis book is the first detailed study to emphasize Muslim women's rights as human rights and to explore the existing patriarchal structures and processes that present women's human rights as contradictory to Islam.
-
Faith and Freedom: The Moral Case for America
By Sven R. LarsonAs this book explains, there is a path back to freedom, one illuminated by faith, paved with practical, sensible policy reforms and traveled by people ready to exercise responsible citizenship.
-
Faith and Freedom: Moses Mendelssohn's Theological-Political Thought
By Michah GottliebGottlieb argues that the faith-reason debate is best understood not primarily as an argument about metaphysical questions, such as whether or not God exists, but rather as a contest between two competing conceptions of human dignity and ...